1. A “Greenhouse Gas Inventory” for Bainbridge Island – What and Why?
Bainbridge Island Climate Change Advisory Committee
April 21, 2018

2. The Big Picture
The accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere from human activities is resulting in global climate change
Maintaining a “safe” climate will require keeping global average temperature from increasing more than 2°C (relative to pre-industrial times)
To do this, we need to greatly reduce emissions from fossil fuel combustion and land use change…

3. The Paris Agreement
In Paris, countries committed to keep global warming “well under” 2°C
The United States agreed to reduce is own national emissions 26-28% below 2005 levels, by 2025…

4. The Challenge Today we are about halfway to 28%
Going the rest of the way (and beyond) will require additional efforts by states and communities across the country

5. What is a GHG Inventory?
A snapshot of greenhouse gas emissions generated by human activities within a community … a.k.a. the community’s “carbon footprint”

6. Don’t We Know It Already?
Yes…
Source: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, June 2017

7. Don’t We Know It Already?
…and No
For Bainbridge Island, we don’t know how our footprint compares with the rest of the county, including the relative contributions of things like…
Electricity use in residential vs. commercial buildings
Industrial emissions
Cars and transportation (including buses and ferries!)
City operations
Agriculture and forest land
Waste disposal

8. Consumption-Related Emissions
An island-specific inventory could also provide insight into “indirect” emissions from consuming goods & services…
Source: Portland, Oregon 2015 Climate Action Plan

9. Why Do an Inventory? Measure emissions, so they can be managed…
Set reduction targets
Inform city policies
Educate citizens
Track progress over time

10. What’s Next: 2018 CCAC Workplan
Complete GHG Inventory
Continue with Tasks Assigned to the Committee
Advise on greenhouse gas reduction targets
Advise on climate action planning and implementation
Assist with participation in regional climate change efforts
Evaluate incorporating Climate Change into City Actions
Climate Assessment Certification
Shoreline Master Plan
Sub-Area Plans
Green Building Standards
Critical Areas Ordinance
Police Department Building
Outreach and Education
Increase collaboration with other City Committees
Hold community forums (like this one!)